Architecture firms typically have a life span of 30 years—the work-life of the founder(s). Some firms engage second-generation leadership and can grow and develop into larger organizations that can acquire and deliver larger and more interesting projects. However, with growth and development, firm leaders face new challenges. As a firm matures from entrepreneurial vitality to stable 'mid-life' competence, it may become difficult to maintain innovation, engagement, and an expansive approach.

This highly interactive workshop is targeted to firm owners who are interested in taking their firms to another level. The workshop will help firm leaders avoid or shake off the "mid-life blues" of maintaining established successes at the expense of creativity and new possibilities. Others who may benefit from this workshop are mature firm owners looking for new perspectives on practices they have already instituted as well as young architects looking for new direction, information, and inspiration.

Provided by the AIA's Architect's Knowledge Resource, this workshop will feature expert contributors from the newly published 15th edition of The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice (Wiley, 2013). These practitioners will share knowledge gained from experience and will explore, with participants, how firms can continue to deliver excellence while simultaneously taking advantage of emerging opportunities.

Topics presented will include the following:

• Firm growth and development: how to maintain firm culture, core values, creative edge, and excellence as a firm grows and develops
• Practicing in a global marketplace: best practices and lessons learned in creating a global practice in the context of a mid-size firm
• Developing a multi-office practice: different approaches and organizational structure choices in establishing a practice with multiple offices
• Emerging project delivery methods: cutting-edge project delivery options that could provide a competitive edge for firms as they grow and develop.
The workshop format is designed to maximize interaction, learning, and knowledge sharing among participants. Each presentation will be followed by an interactive session for participant dialogue and questions, giving participants the opportunity to gain greater confidence in their abilities to put the information and advice into practice. Speakers will facilitate the dialogue, offering participants provocative questions to consider and discuss regarding their area of expertise.